Current Session: July 2024
Beginning Dog Training Classes
The Beginner obedience classes are held at the IDTC Training Space at The Shops at Ithaca Mall and are open to the general public. The normal progression through the classes is Puppy (if age appropriate), Beginner 1, Beyond Beginner 1, Beginner 2, CGC.
If you want to check whether classes are full, or have other questions about the registration process, please contact the Registrar, Marian Szebenyi.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
If you want to check whether classes are full, or have other questions about the registration process, please contact the Registrar, Marian Szebenyi.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
AKC STAR Puppy / Thursdays @ 6:15pm (FULL)
Instructor: Lisa D'Annibale, Assistant: Kathy Hughes
9 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts July 11
Get your puppy started off on the right paw! This class is for puppies 3-6 months of age. The class will follow the AKC S.T.A.R. puppy curriculum focusing on socialization, training, activity, and responsibility. Puppies will learn basic skills through positive training and games. Handlers will also learn how to properly reward their dogs, troubleshoot problem behaviors, and age-appropriate activity and socialization routines for their puppy.
Skills covered include:
Requirements:
9 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts July 11
Get your puppy started off on the right paw! This class is for puppies 3-6 months of age. The class will follow the AKC S.T.A.R. puppy curriculum focusing on socialization, training, activity, and responsibility. Puppies will learn basic skills through positive training and games. Handlers will also learn how to properly reward their dogs, troubleshoot problem behaviors, and age-appropriate activity and socialization routines for their puppy.
Skills covered include:
- Basic manners
- Attention,
- Leash walking
- Handling/grooming
- Sit
- Down
Requirements:
- This is an introductory class, no prior training is necessary.
- Puppies must be 3-6 months of age at the start of the session.
- Puppies must have age appropriate vaccinations per their vet’s recommendations.
- If students want the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy certification, they will need to pass the evaluation and attend at least 6 of the classes.
Beginner 1 / Wednesdays @ 6:30pm (FULL)
Instructor: Eglantina Lucio-Belbase, Assistant: Becky Robinson
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts July 10
Not sure where to begin to teach your dog new things? Start here! Beginner 1 is for puppies 6 months and up and adult dogs (no upper age limit) with no previous formal training. This class will introduce dogs to basic manners and self-control. Handlers will be introduced to effective canine communication, including rewarding and leash handling, and how to troubleshoot undesirable behaviors.
Skills covered include:
After successful completion of Beginner 1, dogs should move to Beyond Beginner 1.
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts July 10
Not sure where to begin to teach your dog new things? Start here! Beginner 1 is for puppies 6 months and up and adult dogs (no upper age limit) with no previous formal training. This class will introduce dogs to basic manners and self-control. Handlers will be introduced to effective canine communication, including rewarding and leash handling, and how to troubleshoot undesirable behaviors.
Skills covered include:
- Attention
- Sit
- Down
- Loose leash walking
- Recall
- Wait at a door
- Stay
- This is an introductory class, no prior training is required.
- Dogs should be at least 6 months old at the start of class.
- Dogs must have rabies vaccination and other age appropriate vaccinations per their vet’s recommendations.
- Please note: IDTC can not accept aggressive or reactive dogs in our classes.
After successful completion of Beginner 1, dogs should move to Beyond Beginner 1.
Beyond Beginner 1 / Thursdays @ 7:30pm
Instructor: Marty Gold, Assistant: Maria Monteuil
8 dogs; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts July 11
Beyond Beginner 1 is a stepping stone class for dogs who recently graduated from Beginner 1 or Puppy Beginner before entering Beginner 2. The exercises begun in Beginner 1 will be solidified and made more challenging through distractions, new variations, and fun games. We will also add some skills like stand and heeling that have practical application and prepare you for more advanced training.
Beyond Beginner 1 is geared to help you and your dogs improve your skills and confidence in the following areas:
Requirements:
After successful completion of Beginner 1, dogs move to Beyond Beginner 1 for more practice before going on to Beginner 2.
8 dogs; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts July 11
Beyond Beginner 1 is a stepping stone class for dogs who recently graduated from Beginner 1 or Puppy Beginner before entering Beginner 2. The exercises begun in Beginner 1 will be solidified and made more challenging through distractions, new variations, and fun games. We will also add some skills like stand and heeling that have practical application and prepare you for more advanced training.
Beyond Beginner 1 is geared to help you and your dogs improve your skills and confidence in the following areas:
- Attention/focus
- Wait/ stay
- Recall
- Loose leash walking
- Being calm and comfortable around other dogs and people
Requirements:
- Dogs need to have successfully completed Beyond Beginner 1, or taken Puppy Beginner or Beginner 1 and been recommended by the Instructor. If you have had equivalent training elsewhere, please contact the Training Director for a placement evaluation.
- Dogs should be at least 6 months old at the start of class.
- Dogs must have rabies vaccination and other age appropriate vaccinations per their vet’s recommendations.
- Please note: IDTC can not accept aggressive or reactive dogs in our classes.
After successful completion of Beginner 1, dogs move to Beyond Beginner 1 for more practice before going on to Beginner 2.
Beginner 2 / Wednesdays @ 5pm (FULL)
Instructor: Jean Bonasera, Assistant: Marian Szebenyi
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts July 10
In Beginner 2, you will build on the training and skills started in Beginner 1, Beyond Beginner 1, or Puppy Beginner to improve reliability and precision. Sit and down will be taught without lures, and at both the left side and in front of the handler, and stand will be introduced. Changes of pace and left, right, and about turns will be added to left-side loose leash walking. Distractions and distance will be added to recalls. Sit for exam and other new skills will be introduced.
Requirements:
After successful completion of Beginner 2, dogs may continue on to Canine Good Citizen or other members-only classes.
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts July 10
In Beginner 2, you will build on the training and skills started in Beginner 1, Beyond Beginner 1, or Puppy Beginner to improve reliability and precision. Sit and down will be taught without lures, and at both the left side and in front of the handler, and stand will be introduced. Changes of pace and left, right, and about turns will be added to left-side loose leash walking. Distractions and distance will be added to recalls. Sit for exam and other new skills will be introduced.
Requirements:
- Dogs need to have successfully completed Beyond Beginner 1, or taken Puppy Beginner or Beginner 1 and been recommended by the Instructor. If you have had equivalent training elsewhere, please contact the Training Director for a placement evaluation.
- Dogs should be at least 6 months old at the start of class.
- Dogs must have rabies vaccination and other age appropriate vaccinations per their vet’s recommendations.
- Please note: IDTC can not accept aggressive or reactive dogs in our classes.
After successful completion of Beginner 2, dogs may continue on to Canine Good Citizen or other members-only classes.
Intermediate Classes Open to Members & Non-Members
These classes are open to both members and non-members. Non-members must have successfully completed Beginner Classes through at least Beginner 2 with IDTC.
Preference is given to club members if they sign up within the first hour. Register using the link above, you will be asked to provide vaccination information as an attachment and pay the fee ($110 for non-members, $40 for active members, $90 for inactive members) by check. Members may pay by PayPal.
If you want to check whether classes are full, or have other questions about the application process, please contact the Registrar, Marian Szebenyi.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
Preference is given to club members if they sign up within the first hour. Register using the link above, you will be asked to provide vaccination information as an attachment and pay the fee ($110 for non-members, $40 for active members, $90 for inactive members) by check. Members may pay by PayPal.
If you want to check whether classes are full, or have other questions about the application process, please contact the Registrar, Marian Szebenyi.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
Canine good citizen / Thursdays @ 5pm (FULL)
Instructor: Sue Yanoff, Assistant: Kerry Boisvert
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts July 11
Preparation for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, which will be given at the end of this class. Open to members, as well as non-members who have completed Beginner II.
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts July 11
Preparation for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, which will be given at the end of this class. Open to members, as well as non-members who have completed Beginner II.
Canine Parkour 1 / Thursdays @ 10am (FULL)
Instructor: Nancy Almann, Assistant: Kathy Hughes
6 teams, 1 hour; 6 weeks
Starts July 11
**Please note that this class is not at the mall training facility, it will be held outdoors at Nancy's property in Trumansburg. The address will be shared with those registered prior to the first week of class.**
Parkour is a great way to increase your dog's confidence and fitness through balancing, jumping, climbing, going under, and around different obstacles. Teams in this class will be introduced to the sport and work towards their Training and Novice Level Titles.
Requirements:
6 teams, 1 hour; 6 weeks
Starts July 11
**Please note that this class is not at the mall training facility, it will be held outdoors at Nancy's property in Trumansburg. The address will be shared with those registered prior to the first week of class.**
Parkour is a great way to increase your dog's confidence and fitness through balancing, jumping, climbing, going under, and around different obstacles. Teams in this class will be introduced to the sport and work towards their Training and Novice Level Titles.
Requirements:
- Preference given to dogs that have taken at least one Fit Dog class or have a Fit Dog Bronze or higher title.
- Dogs must have taken classes through at least CGC and/or passed the CGC test.
- Teams should be familiar with training via shaping and have the focus/attention skills to work in a new, distracting environment and around other dogs.
- Dogs must have a back clip, non-restrictive harness with straps at least one inch wide. Front clip, tightening, or harnesses that constrict shoulder movement are not acceptable. This is a requirement for Parkour as a sport, not just this class.
- Teams must be willing to work outside even if the weather is not perfect! Class will still be held if it is drizzling, damp, gray, sunny, etc.
Advanced Obedience Classes
The Advanced Obedience classes are held at the IDTC Training Space at The Shops at Ithaca Mall and are open to members only. If you want to check whether classes are full, or have other questions about the registration process, please contact the Registrar, Marian Szebenyi. If you want to inquire about drop-in availablity, please contact the instructor.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
There are no advanced obedience classes scheduled this session.
Agility Classes
Agility classes are open to club members. Classes are held at the IDTC Training Space at The Shops at Ithaca Mall unless noted below. If you want to check whether classes are full, or have other questions about the registration process, please contact the Registrar, Linda Pacioretty. If you want to inquire about drop-in availablity, please contact the instructor.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
Agility 2 / Sundays @ 11am
Instructor: Dave Grodsky, Assistant: Alison Sedler
6 teams, 1.5 hours; 7 weeks
Starts July 7, no class weeks of CPE trials
Agility 2 is limited to those currently enrolled in Agility 1 with Dave and Alison.
6 teams, 1.5 hours; 7 weeks
Starts July 7, no class weeks of CPE trials
Agility 2 is limited to those currently enrolled in Agility 1 with Dave and Alison.
Weaves 2 / Sundays @ 2pm
Instructor: Susan Morse
6 teams, 1.5 hours; 7 weeks
Starts July 7, no class weeks of CPE trials
A second class in teaching weave pole performance. Preference will be given to current students in Weaves 1. Dogs must be crated when not their turn in the ring.
6 teams, 1.5 hours; 7 weeks
Starts July 7, no class weeks of CPE trials
A second class in teaching weave pole performance. Preference will be given to current students in Weaves 1. Dogs must be crated when not their turn in the ring.
Advanced + Intermediate Skills & Drills / Fridays @ 6:30pm
Instructor: Sue Yanoff, Assistant: Marty Gold
6 teams, 1.5 hours; 6 weeks
Starts July 12
In Skills and Drills, we will be analyzing and running short sequences of 4-6 obstacles. These sequences will challenge the handler to consider and try various handling techniques. This class will be appropriate for Intermediate or Advanced teams.
Requirements:
6 teams, 1.5 hours; 6 weeks
Starts July 12
In Skills and Drills, we will be analyzing and running short sequences of 4-6 obstacles. These sequences will challenge the handler to consider and try various handling techniques. This class will be appropriate for Intermediate or Advanced teams.
Requirements:
- Teams must be working at an intermediate or advanced agility level. They should be familiar with all equipment and basic handling moves.
- Dogs need to be quiet when it is not their turn in the ring, enter and exit the ring under control, and have a solid stay and off-leash recall in an exciting environment.
Other Classes, Workshops & Seminars
Sometimes IDTC offers classes for members that don't fit in one of the above categories. Check here for offerings that may include nosework, happy ratters, parkour, fit dog, and more!
Single day workshops, seminars, and training sessions will be listed here as well.
Please read the information below carefully as these offerings may have different requirements, locations, or registration process.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
Single day workshops, seminars, and training sessions will be listed here as well.
Please read the information below carefully as these offerings may have different requirements, locations, or registration process.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
Group Class Prep for Dogs with Big Feelings / Fridays @ 5pm
Instructors: Jean Bonasera and Martha Goelzer
4 teams; 1hour; 7 weeks
Starts July 19
We will primarily work on exercises from Suzanne Clothier’s “Skills for Reactive Dogs” and Leslie McDevitt’s “Control Unleashed”. The first class will be a handlers only class, then for each of the 4 weeks following we will work with 1 of the four teams in the class. During each of those weeks new exercises will be introduced. The other handlers will observe and help with feedback of the working team and will also have a chance to practice the mechanics of new skills with one of our neutral dogs. On the 6th and 7th week, we will orchestrate having the 4 dog/handler teams together in the space and use distance and gating to help keep dogs under threshold as we work through skills together.
We will not be working with dogs that are aggressive to dogs or people. For this first session, we would like to focus on dogs that cannot dial down their excitement enough to work in a group class environment. Is your dog determined to meet every other dog? If yes, they would be a good candidate.
Please contact Jean ([email protected]) and Martha ([email protected]) if you have questions or are interested in participating.
4 teams; 1hour; 7 weeks
Starts July 19
We will primarily work on exercises from Suzanne Clothier’s “Skills for Reactive Dogs” and Leslie McDevitt’s “Control Unleashed”. The first class will be a handlers only class, then for each of the 4 weeks following we will work with 1 of the four teams in the class. During each of those weeks new exercises will be introduced. The other handlers will observe and help with feedback of the working team and will also have a chance to practice the mechanics of new skills with one of our neutral dogs. On the 6th and 7th week, we will orchestrate having the 4 dog/handler teams together in the space and use distance and gating to help keep dogs under threshold as we work through skills together.
We will not be working with dogs that are aggressive to dogs or people. For this first session, we would like to focus on dogs that cannot dial down their excitement enough to work in a group class environment. Is your dog determined to meet every other dog? If yes, they would be a good candidate.
Please contact Jean ([email protected]) and Martha ([email protected]) if you have questions or are interested in participating.
Tracking Clinic with Ruth vaughan
Tracking Clinic with Ruth Vaughan, Tracking Judge and Clinician
September 14 & 15th
9am to ~3:30pm each day
Day 1: Foundation Work and Intro to Tracking
12 working spots
Unlimited auditors
Day 2: Advanced Work
Dogs should already have a tracking title and are training for advanced title(s)
12 working spots
Unlimited auditors
Registration Dates:
Registration period for IDTC members: July 25th through August 10th.
Registration period for non-members: August 12th through August 31st.
Please see attachments below for full details and registration information
September 14 & 15th
9am to ~3:30pm each day
Day 1: Foundation Work and Intro to Tracking
12 working spots
Unlimited auditors
Day 2: Advanced Work
Dogs should already have a tracking title and are training for advanced title(s)
12 working spots
Unlimited auditors
Registration Dates:
Registration period for IDTC members: July 25th through August 10th.
Registration period for non-members: August 12th through August 31st.
Please see attachments below for full details and registration information
Please note that IDTC is unable to accept aggressive or reactive dogs in our classes. If you are concerned that your dog is aggressive or reactive to people or other dogs, please ask your vet for a referral to a certified animal behaviorist.